10 RN to BSN Scholarships & Grants for 2025

What is an RN to BSN program, and why would scholarships be available for these particular students?

For years, it has been possible in many states to become licensed as a registered nurse (RN) after earning an associate degree or diploma.

However, the current preference by employers to hire RNs who have completed their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degrees has sent tens of thousands of practicing nurses back to school to enter an RN-to-BSN degree completion program (also called a bridge program).

These RN-to-BSN bridge programs are usually accelerated degree programs that credit you for your previously earned associate degree credit hours. In addition, many programs will credit a practicing RN for their years of on-the-job experience as a working registered nurse.

To motivate, reward, and provide financial support to these registered nurses who are usually non-traditional students in BSN programs, you can find many scholarship opportunities. Some are specifically earmarked for RN-to-BSN, while others are more generally designated for BSN students.

Scholarships Especially Suited for RN-to-BSN Nursing Students

The following ten scholarships are either specially designated for RN-to-BSN students or seem better suited than most scholarships to the special needs of a practicing nurse returning for a BSN degree.

1. A Nurse I Am Scholarship

The scholarship is open to many types of students in an accredited nursing education program, including those actively enrolled in a RN-to-BSN degree program. The sponsor is Cherokee Uniforms, a Careismatic Brand. Ten scholarships are awarded each year.

The award includes $3000 in scholarship funds and membership in the Careismatic Brands Student Nurse Advisory Council until your graduation. You would also receive a gift package of medical apparel and products (scrubs, shoes, accessories, and medical instruments).

2. Barbara Rhomberg Excellence in Nursing Scholarship

Sponsored by B4 Brands, the Barbara Rhomberg Nursing Scholarship is an annual, non-renewable scholarship of $1,000 specifically for a non-traditional, full-time undergraduate nursing student.

To qualify as a non-traditional student, you must have postponed pursuing a college degree after high school or had your college career interrupted by entering the workforce, military, or fulfilling a family obligation.

3. Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship

The Caroline E. Holt Nursing Scholarship is a one-time award of $2,500 from the National Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for three nursing students who are in financial need.

Applicants should include a letter of acceptance or a transcript from an accredited school of nursing stating that the applicant is enrolled.

4. Deborah Stevens Pediatric Nursing Scholarship

The Deborah Stevens Pediatric Nursing Scholarship is a $1,000 award to each of three undergraduate nursing students who intend to pursue a career in pediatric nursing. The application deadline is May 30, 2024, through Bold.org.

Applicants should write a statement explaining their reason for pursuing nursing and, in particular, why they desire to be a pediatric nurse.

5. Foundation of the National Student Nurses Association General Scholarship

The National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) promotes the nursing profession through scholarship, leadership, and development, including awarding undergraduate scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $10,000.

The NSNA especially wants to support the development of practicing school nurses as well as nurses in underrepresented subfields such as oncology, emergency, or critical care nursing.

Scholarships are designated for students in many degree programs, including RN to BSN completion programs.

6. National Association of School Nurses RN-to-BSN Scholarship

The National Association of School Nurses (NASN) offers a $1500 scholarship for RN to BSN students employed as school nurses while enrolled in a degree program.

Applicants must be licensed RNs who have been NASN members and employed for at least .6 FTE as a school nurse for at least the past two years.

In a 500-word essay, you must demonstrate a serious commitment to advance school nursing practice as you describe how your students and school system will benefit from your BSN degree completion.

7. National Black Nurses Association Scholarship Program

The National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) offers many scholarships each year that range from $1,000 to $15,000. The following are a select group most appropriate for those pursuing a BSN degree:

• NBNA Board of Directors Scholarship
• Mrs. Ola Lofton Scholarship
• BAND AID� BRAND Black Healthcare Heroes in Nursing Scholarship
• Dr. Lola Denise Jefferson Scholarship
• Dr. Millicent Gorham Scholarship
• Dr. Eric J. Williams Scholarship
• JAYHAL Foundation Scholarship
• Aya Healthcare Nurses of Tomorrow Scholarship
• Abbott Scholarship Fund

Applicants must be a member of a local chapter of NBNA and currently enrolled in a nursing program such as RN-BSN, with at least one full year of school remaining.

8. Nurse Corps Scholarship Program

The Nurses Corp Scholarship program is a federal program operating within the Bureau Health Workforce of the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration.

Nursing students who are accepted into the program receive free tuition, fees, and other educational costs for a nursing degree program at an accredited school of nursing. This includes students in a nursing bridge program such as RN to BSN.

In return, they sign a 2-year minimum service commitment to work at a Critical Shortage Facility after they graduate.

Eligible applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are accepted or enrolled in an accredited U.S. nursing degree program. Preference is given to those with financial need.

9. RN to BSN/MSN Challenge Scholarship

RegisteredNursing.org offers a $1,000 scholarship to RNs pursuing a BSN or MSN degree.

Each year, the site will post a question and entry form for candidates to fill out. Applicants should respond with a 500-to-700-word essay. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted into an RN-to-BSN or RN-to-MSN program, including online degree programs.

10. Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates (SGNA) RN Advancing Education Scholarship

Each spring, the Society of Gastroenterology Nurses and Associates offers one-time, non-renewable grants of $1,000 to $2,500 to RNs working in gastroenterology who are pursuing an RN to BSN or higher degree. This scholarship works as a reimbursement.

Full-time students are eligible for $2500, while part-time students (taking a minimum of three credit hours per semester) are eligible for $1000 awards.

Applicants will need to write a short essay and send two faculty letters of recommendation and a transcript of completed coursework showing a minimum of 3.0 GPA.

Other Potential RN-to-BSN Scholarship Sources

The following scholarship opportunities, found in the comprehensive listing on the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Scholarship page, will support qualified nursing students pursuing a BSN.

• American Assembly for Men in Nursing Foundation
• American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing
• American Indian Graduate Center (AIGC)
• American Indian Medical Scholarship Program
• The Healthline and Prevention Institute Stronger Scholarship
• NurseDeck Go Award
• American Red Cross awards the Jane Delano Student Nurse Scholarship
• Bestnursingdegree.com
• CPR Certification Institute
• DiversityNursing.com
• EduMed Medical and Healthcare Scholarships
• ExceptionalNurse.com
• GoodRx
• Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities
• Indian Health Service (IHS)
• IntelyCare
• MinorityNurse.com
• National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN)
• Nurse.org Healthcare Leaders Scholarship
• TYLENOL� Future Care Scholarship Program
• The Vohra Wound Care Scholarship for Nursing Education and Nursing Certifications

How Can I Get an RN-to-BSN Scholarship?

The resources we've listed above are the best places to start your search for an RN-to-BSN scholarship or any other nursing scholarship that supports undergraduate education.